Ben makes it to the peak (From Swindon Advertiser)

Ben makes it to the peak

10:40am Friday 12th February 2010 in

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THE SON of a former Swindon Town footballer has completed his challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for the Prospect Hospice.

Swindon-born Ben Kamara, the son of Chris, who made 234 appearances for the Robins scoring 27 goals, finished the challenge with pal Dan Cullen last month.

In the process the 25-year-old has raised close to £3,000 for the Wroughton-based hospice, which has treated his grandfather Roy Jeans, who lives in Stratton.

Leeds resident Ben, who works for the football disciplinary specialists Football Factors, said he was delighted to finish the six-day trek to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain.

“No sooner had we arrived in front of the summit at 5,895m than we saw a sign,” he said.

“Then it dawned on me – we had made it. The tears began to roll, tears of fatigue and exhaustion, tears of excitement, tears of pride and tears for my granddad whose hospice I was doing the walk for.

“We took our photos and began our walk down the mountain in the light able to see the ridiculously dangerous terrain.

“We had achieved our goal and now we had a day and a half to get to the exit gate.

“We had given the mountain everything we had and it had taken it all and was still making it all the harder all the way until we had left.

“Even now I have frost-nipped fingers, chiselled calf muscles and tight hamstrings. It has taken a little something from us, but given us so much more for the rest of our lives.”

Dad Chris, 51, who played as a defender and in midfield and is now a Sky Sports pundit, said: “Ben chose a great charity to climb in aid of. Swindon is dear to my heart after two spells at the club.”

To raise further funds for Prospect, Ben has organised a charity event from 7pm on Thursday, March 25.

Town legends Phil King and Chris Kamara will appear at a basket dinner at the Moonrakers pub in Cricklade Road.

Tickets are £20 from Phil or the Dolphin Hotel, in Rodbourne. For details call 01793 523844.

Ben paid for his expenses himself so no money comes out of his charity pot.

He can still be sponsored by contacting the hospice on 01793 815142 or visit www.justgiving.com/ KamiKilimanjaro.